A number of farmers in Busoga sub-region have embraced chilli growing, a new agricultural initiative spearheaded by the Busoga Consortium for Development in partnership with the Chinese government.
The project aims to integrate rural communities into the money economy and is already bearing fruit—literally and economically—with the first harvest and export to China expected next month.
Officials from the Busoga Consortium have assured farmers of a ready export market in China, citing signed bilateral agreements that followed Kyabazinga Gabula Nadiope IV’s state visit to China las year.
The agreements included provisions for chilli exportation, marking a significant milestone in Uganda-China agricultural cooperation.
One of the pioneer farmers, Isaac Imaka, based in Bufuula Village, Jinja Northern Division, is among the few growing chilli on a large scale.
Speaking with optimism, Imaka revealed that he anticipates harvesting over 1,500 kilograms from just one acre of land—earning him close to Shs 4 million, with chilli selling at Shs4,000 per kilogram.
“I expect to get about 1,500kgs in just one acre. That’s around 4 million shillings in returns,” Imaka said, adding that chilli is a fast-maturing crop with harvests possible in just three to four months, as compared to sugarcane, which takes up to 18 months to mature.
“People will soon begin to see the benefits I am getting from this venture. With quick returns and a guaranteed market, chilli is a game-changer,” he added.
According to Anthony Mula, Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, the chilli project was introduced as part of a broader poverty alleviation strategy in Busoga—one of Uganda’s most impoverished regions.
“Chilli was identified as a quick house-transforming enterprise because it matures within three to four months and allows for three harvests per year,” Mula explained.
“We expect that each farmer will be able to harvest between 1,200 and 1,500 kilograms per season.”
The project is already being rolled out in Jinja, Kamuli, and Mayuge, with other districts expected to follow.
Mula emphasized that all participating farmers are receiving farm inputs and other incentives to support productivity and ensure the quality of produce.
“This initiative is not just about farming. It’s about transforming households and helping people take part in the national economy,” Mula said.
In addition to chilli farming, the Consortium is also promoting soybean growing—particularly the Mak Soya N6 variety—as a supplementary income-generating crop.
“In one acre, a farmer can harvest between 700 to 900 kilograms of soybeans,” said Mula.
“Soya is not only profitable, but it also addresses malnutrition, as it can be used to make nutritious porridge and chicken feed.”
The consortium, in partnership with China Agricultural University, is rolling out a soya feeding program in schools across Mayuge, Kamuli, and Namayingo.
Under the program, 15 soya milk processing machines, donated by the university, will be installed in government schools to improve nutrition and pupil retention.
“By producing soya milk locally, we not only improve child nutrition but also reduce school dropout rates. More children will stay in school and perform better,” Mula explained.
To tackle losses from poor post-harvest practices, the Busoga Consortium has also started distributing tarpaulins for drying produce, an intervention welcomed by local agricultural officers.
“Farmers have been lacking the proper equipment to dry their produce. These tarpaulins have come at just the right time,” said Paul Wagose, agriculture officer for Nabwigulu Subcounty in Kamuli district.
Mula echoed this sentiment, pointing to research showing that farmers lose up to 40% of their harvests due to inadequate post-harvest handling.
As Busoga gears up for its first-ever chilli export to China, the mood among farmers and stakeholders is one of optimism and hope.
“This is going to be historical,” Mula said. “It’s the first time Uganda is implementing the protocol signed with China. I am happy that Busoga is taking the lead in realizing the benefits of this cooperation.”
With chilli and soya farming picking up momentum, and government and international support solidifying, the Busoga sub-region may well be on the brink of an agricultural and economic revival—one that is rooted in innovation, partnership, and local empowerment.
